On June 8, 2024, Nakoda, a rare white grizzly bear that was one of Canada's most beloved and famous bears, passed away due to injuries sustained in a vehicle collision on the Trans-Canada Highway near the British Columbia-Alberta border in Yoho National Park. Hours before Nakoda was struck by a vehicle, her two young cubs were also struck and killed on the same highway. A day later, a male grizzly was also killed in similar circumstances.
Nakoda is the sixth known breeding female to die in Lake Louise-Yoho-Kootenay field unit since 2020 and the 14th recorded grizzly to die at the hands of humans in the mountain parks (Banff-Yoho-Jasper-Kootenay) since 2019.
These losses are further compounded by the grizzly bear's status as a 'Threatened' species in Alberta. This incident underscores the urgent need for further mitigation measures to protect grizzly bears and other wildlife in our Canadian mountain parks. We want to see wildlife no-stopping zones with speed restrictions in areas of concern, enhanced visible signage, increased fines for violators, and a completion of the existing highway fencing and crossing structures network along the highway.
Together, we have the power to raise the alarm and to make permanent change. Become part of positive change and have your voice heard. Our goal is to send 3,000 letters directly to the Canadian Environment Minister and the Chief of Parks Canada - a thousand each for Nakoda and her two cubs.
We've got exciting and positive news to share regarding Nakoda and other grizzlies! Thanks to the dedicated work of wildlife advocates Kamala and Kyle Photography, there is now a Government of Canada petition that you can sign on behalf of Nakoda and other bears to improve road safety for wildlife in our national parks. Add your voice and sign the petition!
Please note that when you sign the petition, you will also have to verify your signature by email (sent to you by the government). For your signature to count, please ensure that you follow this essential step!
Nakoda, her cubs, and the male grizzly all suffered the same fate as Nakoda's sister and mother years before and together these bears joined a long list of human-caused grizzly bear mortalities in our mountain national parks since 2019. We believe that each of these deaths were preventable and caused by a lack of action from Transport Canada, Parks Canada, Canadian Pacific Railway and the Government of Canada. Write a letter today to ensure action is taken to prevent this from happening again and to give a voice to Nakoda and her cubs.
